STUNNED Jude Bellingham was at the centre of an incredible sub mix-up in England’s dramatic Euro quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
Boss Gareth Southgate responded to falling behind with a TRIPLE replacement in the 78th minute.
But before the changes were completed, Bellingham reacted in disbelief as it appeared he came close to being taken off by mistake.
Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and fit-again Luke Shaw eventually came on for Ezri Konsa, Kieran Trippier and Kobbie Mainoo.
But Bellingham had looked on in amazement when his No10 was shown on the board.
He swapped words with referee Daniele Orsato over the confusion.
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And at one stage Bellingham even rolled up his shirt towards his chest – as if he preparing to be hauled off.
But once everything had been cleared up on the sidelines, England did their best to sort things out in the middle.
Breel Embolo had stabbed the Swiss in front on 75 minutes.
But soon after the Three Lions made their treble change, main man Bukayo Saka promptly turned their fortunes around.
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The Arsenal wideman cut in from the right for a brilliant low left-footer into the corner.
Fans were as puzzled by Bellingham over the sub misunderstanding.
But a few viewers claimed the Real Madrid star’s reaction was for another reason.
He posted: “Bellingham knowing that he wasn’t getting subbed off – without looking at the board – reinforces the idea Southgate pre-plans his subs before a ball has been kicked, rather than working on game momentum.”
Another wrote: “Just thought, Bellingham literally knew he wasn’t going off which means Southgate must plan his subs ahead regardless of how we’re playing!”
And a full 10 MINUTES after Southgate’s three-pronged changed the BBC flashed a clarification of the substitutions along the bottom of the screen during their live match coverage.
The match remained level at 1-1 before going to penalties.
England then kept their cool with late substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring the vital kick in a 5-3 shootout win.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
